Posture correction and posture correctors

Posture correction is a complex medical, pedagogical and psychological task, but complex treatment programs should be as individualized as possible.

Nowadays, posture correction, along with exercise therapy, massage, and therapeutic swimming, is effectively carried out using tools based on the method of biological feedback (BFB), as well as a posture corrector.

There are different types of biofeedback: electromyographic, temperature, electroencephalographic and electrocutaneous.

The general principle of working with biofeedback devices is that an electrode is placed on a specific group of muscles and, using a light or sound signal generated by a special device (light board, TV or computer screen, sound signal, etc.), the patient receives an idea of the bioelectrical activity of the muscles being studied at rest or when performing a given movement.

With the help of biofeedback devices, it is possible to restore muscle sensation and activity of weakened muscle groups, conduct neuromuscular relaxation, and reduce pathological activity of antagonist muscles.

There are practically no contraindications to the use of BOS devices. Posture correction by this method can be combined with the use of various medications, it is only necessary to be careful with patients suffering from neurocirculatory dystonia, since a temporary decrease or increase in blood pressure is possible, as well as with diabetics taking insulin. It is undesirable to use devices for posture correction in children under 4-5 years old, due to instability of attention and inaccuracy in completing tasks, as well as in children suffering from epilepsy.

Correction of posture is also carried out by a new form of physical education classes for children - fitball gymnastics. Fitball in translation from English means a ball for support, used for health purposes. The Swiss physiotherapist Suzanne Klein Vogelbach was the first to use fitballs for therapeutic purposes in classes with patients with cerebral palsy.

Fitball gymnastics is performed with large multi-colored balls that can withstand a weight of up to 300 kg. The ball can be used as a trainer, as an object, and as a weight (its weight is approximately 1 kg).

Depending on the age and height of the participants, fitballs of different diameters are used in classes. Thus, for children aged 3-5 years, the ball diameter should be 45 cm, from 6 to 10 years - 55 cm; for children with a height of 150 to 160 cm, the ball diameter is 65 cm and for children and adults with a height of 170 to 190 cm, the ball diameter should be 75 cm.

The ball is chosen correctly if, when sitting on it, the angle between the thigh and shin is equal to or slightly more than 90°. An acute angle in the knee joints creates additional stress on the ligaments of these joints and worsens the outflow of venous blood, especially when performing exercises while sitting on the ball.

Different colors of balls have different effects on a person’s emotional and physiological states.

Warm colors (red, orange) increase the activity of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system, increase the excitation of the central nervous system. This, in turn, leads to an increase in heart rate (HR), an increase in blood pressure (BP), and an increase in breathing.

Cool colors (blue, purple) increase the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which results in a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.

Warm colors enhance the perception of ambient temperature, while cool colors reduce it.

In addition to the color effect on the human body, fitballs also have a vibration effect in the low-sound frequency spectrum. It is known that mechanical vibration has both a specific and non-specific effect on almost all human organs and systems. For example, continuous vibration has a calming effect on the nervous system, while intermittent vibration has an exciting effect. During classes with children, light vibration is mainly used at a calm pace (sitting, without lifting the buttocks from the ball), while in fitball aerobics, shock vibration is used at a fast pace.

Fitball allows for maximum individualization of the therapeutic and educational process due to the wide possibilities of posture correction in both the sagittal and frontal planes.

Among the modifications of fitballs, it is necessary to note physiorolls and hops.

Exercises with double fitballs - physiorolls - are most effective for solving therapeutic problems in preschool children. This is due to the fact that the physioroll, having a larger support area, is more stable than the fitball. Coordinating on physiorolls, it is easier to perform exercises, maintaining stability and balance of the body, which reduces the load on the systems that ensure the coordination of movements. Physiorolls are very effective for use in active games and relay races, when it is necessary to perform a task together at the same time.

Balls with handles - hops - are used like regular fitballs to perform gymnastic exercises with objects in various starting positions. This modification allows you to perform exercises that affect various muscle groups, thus correcting your posture. The hop handle, lying on the floor, creates additional support and stability, making it easier to work with.

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